Chidi Tony| Frontline governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom, Barr Onofiok Luke, yesterday said he would run a government based on the wishes of the people if elected in 2023.
He made the pledge while speaking during his governorship consultation visit to party members in Oron, Mbo, and Okobo local government areas of the state.
The PDP aspirant said his policies and programmes would be based on the yearnings and aspirations of the people, adding that he would always keep a listening ear in serving the state as governor.
Addressing delegates and party officers at the PDP chapter offices in the three local government areas, Luke said he was seeking the number one seat in the state out of the passion to serve the people and take the state to greater heights.
“I am in the governorship race because I want to serve the people. I will be a listening governor to your plights, and by the grace of God, I have the passion and love of humanity to address issues affecting the people.
“The challenge of Oro nation today is that Oro needs a leader who will listen to them; a leader who will sit with you and listen to your cry of marginalization.
“I will be a governor for all the ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State. God did not make a mistake for bringing all of us together.
“In every position, I have held, I have never been found wanting in capacity, competence, and delivery. You saw me in the position of Speaker of the house of assembly, and I did not fail Akwa Ibom”, he said.
Luke assured that when he becomes governor in 2023, he would champion an economic roundtable that would bring together companies operating in Oro nation to synergize on how to attract development to rural areas of the state.
He said, among other things, that given the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, he would ensure that communities in Mbo and other villages have potable water facilities.
He promised to partner with relevant federal government agencies to reactivate the Ebughu fishing terminal to create wealth and jobs for the teeming populace.
“Over the years, I have made legislations that have contributed to the socio–economic growth of our state.
“One area we need to raise our revenue potential and reduce dependence on oil is the tourism sector. We will take advantage of the tourism potentials to raise our economy.
“We will bring some fishermen into cooperative society, provide them loans and grants to encourage the small fishing businesses to grow”.
Luke said he had grown through the ranks in the leadership cadre of Akwa Ibom State and has offered valuable contributions to the growth of the PDP over the years.
“I understand the challenges of party officers and the people, and I have a workable model to addressing these challenges.
“I have considered and understudied previous administrations, and I’ve contributed to the success of those governments and including the present one.
“I promise, when we are elected by the Grace of God, I shall run a government based on the aspirations of the people”.
While appreciating party members for the reception accorded him and his Amazing Grace Campaign team, Luke solicited maximum support from the people of Oro Nation to enable him to succeed in his aspiration as Governor of the State, even as he assured them that he would offer effective leadership.
The PDP Chapter Chairman of Oron, Mr. Murphy Esin; his counterparts in Mbo, Mr. Etetim Okon Isemin and Okobo, Mr. Eteka Ukpong, who were on hand to receive the governorship aspirant and his team saluted his courage to run for the office of the Governor come 2023.
Earlier, Mr. Imo Udo, the Director General of Barr. Luke’s Amazing Grace Campaign Organization, described the aspirant as a man endowed from above with the needed capacity and skills to take Akwa Ibom to the next level.
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